Iowa Football Offer Special Moment for Jacob Imming, Family

It was an exciting time for the Imming family. Sioux City (IA) West High senior Alex Imming accepted a preferred walk-on opportunity from Iowa Football presented to him in-person by Hawkeye head coach Kirk Ferentz during January of 2012.

Imming and his family were scheduled to visit campus shortly after he committed. That trip was canceled. Steve Imming, Alex’s father, suddenly passed away from a heart attack at 48.

Alex would end up visiting and joining the program but he was suffering without his dad. He spent one season in Iowa City before retiring from the game.

The story added a new chapter on Thursday when Alex’s younger brother, Jacob Imming, received a scholarship offer from the Hawkeyes. The opportunity stirred up emotions for the family, Hawkeye fans for life.

“It was very cool because my brother played there and I grew up going to games there,” Jacob told HN. “It’s really special that they offered.”

Nobody was more excited for Jacob than Alex.

“He said he loved every minute of it there but when my dad passed away he said it was just too much for him to handle. He’s pumped for me. He’s really excited to get back there and maybe catch up with coach Ferentz and a couple of those other guys that used to be around as well,” Jacob said.

Kim Imming, Alex and Jacob’s mom, was thrilled when Ferentz called Jacob with the offer. She reconnected with the coach.

“She asked coach Ferentz a couple of questions and it was cool for them to catch up. She asked him how he was doing and what his kids were up to now since they haven’t talked in years. They got to catch up a little bit,” Jacob said.

Jacob Imming (6-2,200) plays both ways at Sergeant Bluff-Luton (IA) High. The Class of 2022 member has 17 solo tackles, five tackles for loss and a sack through five games this season as a linebacker. On offense, he has 18 receptions for 327 yards and seven touchdowns along with 62 yards on five carries with a score.

Iowa is recruiting him as a linebacker, where his favorite Hawkeye, Josey Jewell, lined up. Ferentz and position coach Seth Wallace say Imming reminds them of the current Denver Broncos starter.

“They like me because I’m a blue-collar kid that likes to work hard and is always doing the right thing; little things like that. That’s what they really value at Iowa,” Jacob said.

Imming has not visited Iowa as a recruit but looks forward to doing so.

“I’d like to learn more about what their whole culture is about. They obviously have a new strength coach (Raimond Braithwaite) now, so I’d like to learn more about him. I’m sure the new strength coach is really solid,” Imming said.

The Hawkeyes began showing serious interest in him a few days before offering the scholarship, Imming said. He’s mostly communicated with recruiting director Tyler Barnes but looks forward to building a relationship with Ferentz and Wallace.

Iowa State and Nebraska offered Imming before Iowa. Those schools have been growing a bond with him.

Cyclone defensive coordinator Jon Heacock, linebackers coach Tyson Veidt and director of player personnel Derek Hoodjer contact Imming weekly, he said. For Nebraska, defensive coordinator Erik Chinander and inside linebackers coach Barrett Ruud have been communicating with him regularly.

“I’m building relationships with those schools. We’re starting to get in touch more,” Imming said.

Michigan State contacted him Friday morning. It asked him some get-to-know-you questions.

“I’d like to pick up some more offers from schools and get to know coaches better. I think I’d like to commit by next summer at the latest,” Imming said.

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He’s planning on majoring in Business when he gets to college. Academics will play a large role in his ultimate decision, he said.

Here’s a look at highlights from Imming’s first five games this season:

Here’s Imming performing the Tristan Wirfs’ Challenge:

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— jacob imming (@ImmingJacob) June 16, 2020